I spent the morning of the 22nd of February tidying up God Save the Queen. Windows were cleaned. Newly acquired '60s schoolroom portraits of the Queen and Duke were placed in prime position on the back wall. Queen Victoria was dusted. Things I could not sell and things I could not bear to sell were bundled up into my niece's car to take home. I locked the door and looked forward to coming again with new stock on Thursday in preparation for the big Lyttelton Street Festival on Saturday.
An hour after I turned the red key for the final time the earthquake struck. The Queen and her husband were knocked off their perches, mannequins toppled, jars of buttons smashed on the floor. Queen Victoria remained in place, disapproving as ever.
Now the building has been red-stickered which means demolition is imminent, and six foot cordons are in place to stop access. The fire brigade went in last week when I wasn't around and rescued the mannequins and Queen Victoria, but I may have to say goodbye to my old shop display counters with their drawers of goodies...
God save God Save the Queen!? Alas, I think it may be that the Queen is dead, long live ... ? Watch this space.
